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House Republicans elected their caucus leaders on Tuesday, November 9, for the 2011-12 legislative session that begins on January 4. With 112 members to the Democrats’ 91, the caucus will hold a powerful majority, controlling both the committee and floor process. As expected, Republican members nominated Sam Smith (Jefferson) as the next House Speaker. His position as Speaker won’t be official until the full House votes on his nomination after the members are sworn in on January 4.

The Democratic Caucus election results are harder to predict. House Speaker Keith McCall (Carbon) did not run for re-election, and Democratic Floor Leader Todd Eachus (Luzerne) was defeated in the General Elections, leaving two vacancies at the top of the caucus. Moreover, long-time Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans (Phila.) faces a challenge for his spot. The caucus will hold its elections on November 16.

The House Republican Leaders elected on November 9 include the following:

Sam Smith (Jefferson), was elected as the caucus’s choice for Speaker of the House; Mike Turzai, (Allegheny), was elected Majority Leader; Stan Saylor (York) was elected House Majority Whip; Bill Adolph (Delaware), will be Appropriations chair ; Sandra Major (Susquehanna), will be Caucus Chair; Dave Reed (Indiana),will be Policy chair; Dick Stevenson, (Mercer) will be Caucus Administrator; Mike Vereb (Montgomery) will be Caucus Secretary.